Aiming toward improvement in the safety, efficiency, and specificity of viral vectors for neurobiological research and clinical applications, Viral Vector Approaches in Neurobiology and Brain Diseases covers key aspects related to the use of viral vectors in neuroscience, with a major emphasis on basic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, as well as molecular neuropharmacology and experimental animal models of brain disorders. The volume begins by delving into features of the viral vectors currently available in neuroscience and their production methods, and it then continues onward to examples of successful applications of viral vector technology to psychiatric and memory research, current applications of viral vector technology in the context of neurological disorders, as well as various cutting-edge applications of viral vector technology to neuroscience, including optogenetics. Written for the Neuromethods series, the chapters of this book contain the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that promotes successful, repeatable results. Practical and up to date, Viral Vector Approaches in Neurobiology and Brain Diseases will be useful not only to neurobiologists wishing to routinely use viral vectors in the laboratory but also to experienced scientists needing detailed new protocols for a variety of experimental applications.

Genetic manipulation of the adult mammalian nervous system is one of the most exciting areas in contemporary neurobiology. The explosive growth of this field has been facilitated by harnessing the power of viruses to transfer genetic material into mammalian cells. Viral Vectors: Gene Therapy and Neuroscience Applications represents the first comprehensive review of viral vector applications to the nervous system by leaders in virology, molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and developmental neurobiology. It serves both as a source of fundamental information for those newly interested in viral vectors and as a compilation of state-of-the-art technologies and applications for more experienced researchers. This work provides expert background information on viral systems, and the broad range of applications will help readers appreciate the current and future impact of viral vectors in both clinical and basic neuroscience.

Leading gene therapy researchers and clinicians illuminate the field-from basic vector technology to current and future clinical applications in neurology. The authoritative contributors provide cutting-edge reviews of the vectors available for gene transfer to the central nervous system, the strategies against CNS tumors, the potential strategies against neurologic disorder, and the limitations of today's gene therapy approaches. Also discussed are significant applications of gene therapy to brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, ischemia, and Huntington's chorea. Readers will learn the current delivery methods for transgenes, will learn the characteristics of transgene delivery vectors, and come to understand the therapy for both neuro-oncologic and neurologic disorders.

Gene therapy has tremendous potential for the treatment of neurological disorders. There has been substantial progress in the development of gene therapy strategies for neurological disorders over the last two decades. Gene Therapy in Neurological Disorders thoroughly reviews currently available gene therapy tools and presents examples of their application in a variety of neurological diseases. The book begins with general reviews of gene therapy strategies with a focus on neurological disorders. The remainder of the chapters present approaches to specific neurological disorders. Each chapter gives an in-depth introduction to the relevant field before diving into the specific tool or application. The book aims to help investigators, students and research staff better understand the principles of gene therapy and its application in the nervous system. Provides background information and experimental details of gene therapy tools applied for neuroscience research and neurological disorders Covers a broad range of gene delivery and regulation tools, therapeutic agents, and target cells, including emerging new technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing Discusses applications of gene therapy tools to neurological disorders including neurodegeneration, muscular dystrophy, trauma and chronic pain, and neoplastic diseases

Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience Towards Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders Edited by P. R. Lowenstein University of Manchester, UK and L. W. Enquist Princeton University, USA The brain and the cells that compose it have always presented unique barriers to any kind of outside interventions, including drug delivery, surgical procedures and the genetic manipulation of cells. However, these barriers are now being bypassed by the new technology of gene delivery. Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience is the first practical guide to gene delivery, providing over 150 easy to follow, step-by-step protocols, together with troubleshooting hints and the theoretical background needed for neuroscientists to understand, adapt and expand the technology as needed. Written by a team of international expert neuroscientists, geneticists, molecular biologists and biochemists, Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience describes the latest techniques from the top gene-delivery labs, ranging from physical transfection techniques, through the use of a wide range of viral vectors, to retrovirally transduced cell and bone marrow transplantation. Several variations of a single protocol are given, thus demonstrating how different labs have solved a common problem in different ways. The protocols are also indexed and cross-referenced so that an investigator can find all the details required for a particular problem.

Though heavily hyped in the early 1990s as the answer to many genetic diseases, gene therapy has largely failed to live up to its promises up to now. The scientific challenges of conveying replacement genes into the brain have prevented it from having an impact on more than a handful of conditions. In addition, gene therapy has been beset by safety problems. During the last 5 years, new vectors and techniques have started to resolve not only safety issues that once held gene therapy back but also markedly to improve efficient gene delivery within the brain and even the spinal cord. Brain gene therapy will not be suitable for every neurological disease, but considerable progress made in the field means we can now envisage that CNS gene therapy will be able to treat many neurological conditions that are not obviously treatable in any other way.